MANHATTAN — When Daniel Sams decided to transfer from Kansas State in late spring, any chance of the quarterback-turned-wideout also playing the role of backup quarterback was erased.

At the same time, a window opened for two other Wildcats.

The two names in the mix to lead the Wildcats if senior Jake Waters were to go down are redshirt freshman Jesse Ertz and sophomore Joe Hubener.

“They both work very well together,” co-offensive coordinator Del Miller said. “They are challenging one another and competing.

“I like what both are doing right now in training camp. I think it bodes well for us in the future. They are both progressing and progressing well.”

Hubener enters his third season in the program. The Cheney native saw the field last season against Iowa State, rushing for five yards on two carries. During the K-State spring game in April, Hubener completed 11 of 16 passes for 124 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown pass.

Ertz established a name for himself at Mediapolis High School, earning the title of Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year during his senior season. During his redshirt year last season, Ertz earned the Red Raider Award as the top contributor on the scout squad. Ertz finished the spring game having completed nine of his 13 passes for 43 yards.

Both players understand their respective roles.

“Me and Jesse are just trying to push each other, both make the other the best he can be and try and get to that point where we can push Jake (Waters),” Hubener said.

Waters complimented both players, mentioning their dedication to the film room and drive to get better.

And if the starter is to go down for any reason during a game this season, both backups are confident in their ability to understand their new roles.

“I think we both understand it,” Hubener said. “Coach Miller has really tried to stress that point to try to get us both comfortable in pressure situations. We really study the film a lot so he tries to get us to understand what situations to check and all that stuff. (Miller) has prepared us well.”

Other quarterbacks on the roster include freshman walk-on Zach Davidson from Harrisonville, Mo. and junior college transfer Taylor Laird from Sacramento City College.

■ Roughly 3,000 fans came to K-State fan appreciation day on Saturday. Charles Jones appeared to take the majority of the first-team snaps at running back, and Judah Jones also seems to be in the mix in the backfield for the Wildcats.